Superparamagnetic gel as a novel material for electromagnetically induced hyperthermia

Heating properties of a magnetically responsive gel in an alternating magnetic field at 217 kHz were evaluated. Superparamagnetic ferrite nanocrystals of approximately 10nm were formed within the gel network by bridging anionic bis(ethylhexyl) sodium sulfosuccinate reverse micelles. Specific absorption rates up to 150 W/g for ferrite concentrations up to 50 mg/ml were observed. Temperature measurements of the gel without ferrite particles showed no heating effect. Magnetic gels therefore represent a novel promising hyperthermic material. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.